Monty Bennett’s name will not appear on the ballot for the Tarrant Regional Water District board of directors yet he remains a powerful backstage player whose influence could shape the direction of the district’s business for years to come.

Chris Brassard and Omar Diaz had apartments in mind when they built a 12-unit complex on May Street just south of West Magnolia Avenue on Fort Worth’s Near Southside. Then their leasing agent, Will Northern of Northern Realty Group, suggested they consider selling the units as condominiums.

Union members ratified a new five-year contract with Bell Helicopter on Oct. 13, officials at United Auto Workers Local 218 confirmed.

The new contract was approved by the United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (UAW), and UAW Local 218 membership, which represents about 2,400 of the company’s production and manufacturing employees. According to the Local 218 website, 93 percent of the workers voted in favor of the contract.

“I’m very pleased that UAW Local 218 and Bell Helicopter have worked together to successfully reach an agreement on a new contract,” said John L. Garrison, president and CEO of Bell Helicopter. “This contract allows us to continue to compete in the competitive, global marketplace – providing our customers with the differentiated, cost-competitive products they need to save lives and protect our freedoms."

Workers had staged a one-day strike in September during contract negotiations.

In other Bell Helicopter news, the company announced Oct. 11 it has reached agreement with its independent representative, Reignwood Investment Ltd. for the purchase of 12 Bell helicopters, including 10 Bell 407 and two Bell 429 aircraft. In addition to this agreement, Bell Helicopter also entered in to a memorandum of understanding with Reignwood to explore future business opportunities in the China market. - Robert Francis